[sdiy] Easy CAD Program to design schematics & pcb layouts

[Dave Magnuson]

At 12:45 PM 9/28/01 +0200, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
>does anyone know a CAD program that has an easy
>handling to design schematics & pcb layouts for
>the operating systems Win32 or Linux?
>
>I ask that because I found many synth-diy schematics
>in the web that are drawn by hand and I want to re-draw
>them in a CAD program for a better overview.


I personally use AutoCAD 2000 LT... it won't produce pcb files that are
ready for a board shop, but it works great for diy boards.  I use it to
design cases, faceplates, schematics and pcbs (and I draw houses/condos
with it for my day job).

I've seen freeware and shareware CAD programs out there... many of them
will be very similar to AutoCAD, but significantly cheaper.  I think
AutoCAD 2000 LT was about $350 (US)



>Second questions: Does anyone know a manufacturer of
>chassis or do you all build your cabinets yourself?



I use Frac-Racs from www.paia.com and surplus rack enclosures that I buy
locally... In my synth, frac rac modules tend to get engraved, while full
rack enclosures get a lamenated stick-on decal for the front legends.
Speaking of surplus rack enclosures... I just bought a GREAT rack enclosure
for $12 yesterday... it was "used" basically someone drilled a few holes in
the front (but the face is removable, so I'll just buy a small piece of
Aluminum stock to replace it). This is easily a $35 or $40 enclosure. It
still had the protective shrink wrap on top, sides, back and bottom.

The surplus store is having a tent-sale next week.  I'm hoping to pick up
tons of goodies for very little money... If I spot anything useful that I
don't need, I'll buy it and offer it to the Synth-DiY community.  I just
bought a capacitor decade box for $5, and some bourns multi-turn pots for
$1 each.  They also have scopes, freq counters, powersupplies, rack
enclosures, flight cases, wiring and many components / hardware, etc...
Very excited about this sale.

If anyone lives near New Hampshire, I'll email directions and more details
if you want them

Dave Magnuson



Resonant Frequency:
resfreq at hoohahrecords.com
http://www.hoohahrecords.com/resfreq/index.html